Recent advancements in the production of high-quality mould steel have emerged from a study conducted by a team of researchers from Deya Special Steel Co., Ltd. and the Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of High-quality Special Steel. Led by Li Jin, Zhou Xu, Su Chao, and Yan Lei, the research focuses on optimizing the heat treatment processes for H13ESR large mould steel forged round bars, a critical material in the construction and manufacturing sectors.
The team investigated three distinct heat treatment processes to enhance the metallographic structure and impact energy of a 600 mm diameter forged round bar. Their findings reveal that the combination of online water cooling after forging and spheroidization annealing significantly improves the material’s properties. Specifically, they achieved a transverse impact energy of 9.8 J, aligning with the NADCA#229—2016 standard AS9 at the center of the bar.
However, the most notable improvement came from the offline solid solution heat treatment process, which involved heating the steel to temperatures between 1,040 °C and 1,060 °C, followed by alternating water and air cooling. This approach not only enhanced the metallographic structure to AS4 but also increased the transverse impact energy to an impressive 18.3 J. “The offline solid solution treatment has proven to be a game-changer for the mechanical properties of H13ESR steel,” stated Li Jin. “Our results indicate that these processes can meet the demanding technical requirements for high-quality mould steel, which is essential for various applications in construction.”
The implications of this research are significant for the construction sector, where the demand for durable and reliable materials continues to grow. As projects become larger and more complex, the need for high-performance steel that can withstand extreme conditions is paramount. The ability to produce H13ESR steel with enhanced properties not only improves the longevity and safety of construction materials but also offers manufacturers a competitive edge in a crowded market.
Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of innovative heat treatment methodologies in material science. By fine-tuning these processes, manufacturers can achieve specific performance characteristics that align with industry standards and client expectations. This research not only sets a precedent for future developments in mould steel production but also paves the way for advancements in other types of steel used across various sectors.
The findings were published in ‘Teshugang,’ which translates to ‘Special Steel’ in English, reinforcing the journal’s focus on advancing knowledge in steel production and its applications. For more information about the lead authors and their work, visit Deya Special Steel Co., Ltd.. As the construction industry continues to evolve, the results of this study may very well play a pivotal role in shaping the materials that define our built environment.
